Strictly Come Dancing bosses brace for more complaints as crisis deepens
Amanda Abbington had been partnered with Giovanni Pernice during her time on Strictly
BBC
BBC bosses are bracing themselves for more complaints from former Strictly Come Dancing contestants as they prepare to announce the findings of their probe into Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington.
Corporation executives had hoped to release the verdict of their review last month. But it was delayed due to the furore surrounding the Huw Edwards scandal.
Investigators have also received new evidence which they are examining before finalising their decision. Italian-born Giovanni has repeatedly stated that he accepts to be fully cleared and denies all the claims against him.
But a source close to the probe said that even if the BBC do exonerate the former Strictly dancer they fear this crisis is far from over.
Amanda Abbington had been partnered with Giovanni Pernice during her time on Strictly BBCThe source exclusively told GB News: "The BBC have carried out a thorough and robust investigation into the complaints Amanda Abbington has made.
"But there’s a growing feeling with the corridors of the BBC that this will not be the end of the matter. They are aware that there are a number of other former contestants who could be able to make complaints.
"They know many will be awaiting the decision into the Amanda and Giovanni review before they decide what to do. The BBC had hoped they could move into the new series in the Autumn with a line drawn under all the controversy which has been surrounding the show.
"But nobody working on the programme now realistically thinks this will happen. After all that’s happened with Huw Edwards this is really the last thing they need.”
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The BBC's findings had been delayed
PALast week Laura Whitmore, another former partner of Giovanni, hit out at the way she was treated after going public about her experiences on the show. She likened the treatment to gaslighting.
The former Love Island presenter claimed she was subjected to "inappropriate behaviour" during her stint on the programme, but did not name Giovanni.
Abbington made a complaint about the teaching methods of her former dance partner months after withdrawing early from the 2023 series of the celebrity competition.
The actress alleges she was subject to “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying” and a “toxic environment” while on the BBC show.
Pernice, who left his job as a Strictly professional before the upcoming season, rejects "any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour."
He added that he believes he will be cleared by a BBC review.